Gemma Atkinson has opened up about the emotional rollercoaster with her fiancé Gorka Marquez, following his exit from Strictly Come Dancing. After years of shining on the BBC’s hit show, Gorka, 35, has decided it’s time to hang up his dancing shoes, becoming the latest high-profile figure to depart from the program amidst this year’s dramatic shake-up.
“I’ve decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing,” Gorka announced in a statement earlier this week. His departure comes as Strictly producers make sweeping changes ahead of the show’s 24th season, aiming for a fresh start with a new set of faces.
While fans may miss his dazzling performances, it’s Gorka’s home life with Gemma, 38, that has become a topic of conversation. The couple, who met on Strictly in 2017, share two children, Mia, six, and Thiago, two, and are partners both in life and on the podcast Lost In Translation. In a resurfaced clip from several weeks ago, Gemma reveals a hilarious yet frustrating moment involving Gorka at home after his return from a trip to New York.
Gemma recalled how Gorka was walking around the house “like an inspector doing a check on a tenant,” much to her annoyance. “I moan about everything,” Gorka said, to which Gemma replied, “No… You walked around the house like an inspector doing a check on a tenant.” The tension built up when Gorka noticed his shelf had been moved, blaming the kids for the chaos. Gemma laughed, admitting that, in frustration, she muttered to herself, “Shut the f*** up Gorka,” before stomping upstairs.
Despite these frustrating moments, Gemma and Gorka’s relationship continues to thrive. Gorka recently confirmed his permanent departure from Strictly, ending speculation about his future on the show after a short break last year for a judging stint on Bailando Con Las Estrellas. “Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity—over the past 10 years, it allowed me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and make lifelong friends,” Gorka wrote on Instagram. “For that, I will forever be thankful.”
His decision comes amid the departure of several other Strictly professionals, including Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Michelle Tsiakkas. As producers seek a “fresh start,” it seems there may be more cast shake-ups on the horizon, with new hosts and dancers being considered to revamp the show.
The upcoming series will likely look different, with a greater focus on attracting younger viewers, particularly through social media platforms like TikTok. While some long-standing professionals, like Karen Hauer, are being let go, others with larger online followings, like Dianne Buswell, remain in the lineup.
As Gorka steps back from the spotlight, he remains grateful for everything Strictly has given him, including love and family. But for now, Gemma and Gorka’s podcast, family life, and upcoming dance tour are keeping them busy.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
